{
  "id": 604701,
  "title": "Wallaroos name new head coach as 2029 Rugby World Cup looms on horizon",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/wallaroos-name-new-head-coach-as-2029-rugby-world-cup-looms-on-horizon-604701",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-11T21:08:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-12/wallaroos-head-coach-sione-fukofuka-2029-rugby-world-cup/107026222"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Wallaroos have appointed Sione Fukofuka as their new head coach, ahead of the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup. Fukofuka will assume the role in 2027, following the transition of the Wallaroos to a full-time program. He will report to Rugby Australia's Director of Women's High Performance, Tim Walsh. Fukofuka, a 47-year-old Scottish-born coach, previously served as Scotland's head coach. He will return to Australia after being granted a release from his contract for family and personal reasons. Fukofuka's appointment marks a significant opportunity for the Wallaroos, given their recent struggles at the 2023 tournament, where they finished in the quarterfinals. The Wallaroos have been ranked ninth in the world. Walsh praised Fukofuka's pedigree and ability to create high standards, noting his experience in Australian and international systems. The Wallaroos remain to be seen if Fukofuka's leadership will transform their performance before the 2029 World Cup in Australia.",
  "summary": "As the Wallaroos edge closer to becoming a full-time program, a key appointment has been made in the build-up to the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News",
        "title": "Wallaroos name new head coach as 2029 Rugby World Cup looms on horizon",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/wallaroos-name-new-head-coach-as-2029-rugby-world-cup-looms-on-horizon",
        "published": "2026-08-11T21:08:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}